WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Justice today implemented government data-collection reforms that were first proposed by Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, in his Government Surveillance Transparency Act.

The Justice Department announced it will allow technology companies to disclose data about the volume and type of data they are required to turn over to the government. Larsen first proposed these reforms in June 2013.

“The American people should have the right to know what kind of information the government is collecting from them,” Larsen said. “I am pleased the Department of Justice is adopting my proposal to increase transparency of government surveillance activity. That said, Congress must still act so these reforms have the force of law.

“Congress can no longer take ‘trust us’ as an answer. We need to strongly reform government surveillance programs so they are limited, transparent and accountable.”